Prevalence of Insomnia and Its Impact on Academic Performance among Students: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders among students and is increasingly recognized as a significant factor affecting academic outcomes. Academic pressure, psychological stress, and lifestyle behaviors contribute to poor sleep quality in this population. Objective: To systematically review the prevalence of insomnia among students and evaluate its impact on academic performance. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2025. Observational studies assessing insomnia prevalence and its association with academic performance among students were included. Data were extracted and synthesized qualitatively due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures. Results: A total of 42 studies involving over 98,000 students were included. The prevalence of insomnia varied widely, ranging from 9.4% to 98.7%, with most studies reporting rates between 30% and 60%. Insomnia was consistently associated with impaired cognitive function, reduced concentration, memory deficits, and poorer academic performance, including lower grade point averages and increased risk of academic failure. Contributing factors included academic stress, mental health conditions, irregular sleep patterns, and excessive screen time. Conclusion: Insomnia is highly prevalent among students and has a significant negative impact on academic performance. Early identification and targeted interventions, including sleep hygiene education and mental health support, are essential to improve both sleep quality and educational outcomes.